Chapter 956: Qingzhi Making Medicine
Editor: Henyee Translations
Chu Qingning brought over a box, “Fifth Sister, here are all the letters I’ve exchanged with Zhao Zhang. Where would you like to start?”
Chu Qingzhi reached for the topmost letter, “Is this the most recent one?”
Chu Qingning nodded, “Yes.”
Chu Qingzhi opened the letter and read it carefully, discovering hidden messages.
On the surface, the letter expressed longing for Chu Qingning, but secretly it discussed Jiang Zhaoyong’s ongoing mission—emperor had tasked him with locating the remnants of an ancient family, seeking the Emperor’s Jade Seal and treasures.
Seeing Chu Qingzhi frown, Chu Qingning couldn’t help but ask, “Fifth Sister, what did you find?”
Chu Qingzhi replied, “I’ve uncovered some secrets, but I can’t tell you as it might bring danger upon you.”
Chu Qingning, after hearing this, did not press further, “Sister, can you bring Zhao Zhang back?”
Chu Qingzhi held Chu Qingning’s hand, “Don’t worry, I’m here. You and Jiang Zhaoyong will definitely reunite.”
Chu Qingning nodded trustingly, “Hmm.”
Chu Qingzhi went to the main tent and shared her findings with Tang Jinghong, adding, “I didn’t expect the emperor to be aware of this.”
General Tang remarked, “The emperor truly oversees the realm.”
“Indeed.” Chu Qingzhi pondered, “We need to find a way to meet with Jiang Zhaoyong, see how far he’s gotten with his task.”
General Tang said, “His whereabouts are currently unknown, it’s difficult for us to locate him; we have to wait for him to come to us.”
Chu Qingzhi suddenly asked softly, “Whose man is Jiang Zhaoyong?”
Tang Jinghong raised an eyebrow, “What do you think?”
“Yours?” Chu Qingzhi shook her head, “He must be the emperor’s, otherwise he wouldn’t avoid meeting you. But I think he might be in trouble, otherwise, he wouldn’t hide his tracks like this.”
Tang Jinghong speculated, “Could he be targeted by the King of the eastern border?”
Chu Qingzhi said, “The powers in the eastern border are complex, it’s hard to say. But we needn’t worry too much now. Knowing Jiang Zhaoyong is alive is enough.”
Tang Jinghong asked, “Shouldn’t we try to find him for Qingning?”
Chu Qingzhi analyzed, “He intervened to save Fourth Sister, suggesting he has already met her. If he could reveal himself, he would have. His remaining hidden indicates it’s not safe.”
“Sounds reasonable.” Tang Jinghong agreed, “Qingzhi, explain this to Qingning, so she won’t worry too much.”
“Alright.” Chu Qingzhi returned to the tent, “Fourth Sister, I have good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?”
Chu Qingning hesitated, then said, “The good news.”
Chu Qingzhi simply stated, “The person who saved you that day was very likely Jiang Zhaoyong.”
Chu Qingning felt a surge of joy, then anxiety, “What’s the bad news?”
Chu Qingzhi was straightforward, “Jiang Zhaoyong might be entangled in troubles, preventing him from meeting you.”
Chu Qingning understood, “Meeting can wait, as long as he is safe.”
Chu Qingzhi smiled slightly, “Fourth Sister is right.”
Chu Qingning nodded, “Fifth Sister, please keep an eye on news about Jiang Zhaoyong. Don’t disturb him; just make sure he’s alive.”
Chu Qingzhi smoothed Chu Qingning’s hair, “I understand.”
…
Back at the Shangyun stronghold.
Chu Tang administered another acupuncture session to Tao Qingxiang, using fewer silver needles this time, each session using fewer than the last.
As Tao Qingxiang’s legs regained sensitivity, he expressed his gratitude, “Thank you. Once my legs are healed, I’ll find whatever you want as a gift.”
Chu Tang maintained a faint smile, “Thank you.”
Seeing Chu Tang seemingly indifferent, Tao Qingxiang couldn’t help but ask, “You don’t seem very interested?”
Chu Tang sat down on a nearby stool, “I have what I need.”
Tao Qingxiang persisted, “Nothing at all?”
Chu Tang was about to say no, but then changed his mind, “If you really want to give me something, I like various herbs. You could give me those.”
“Herbs?” Tao Qingxiang was surprised, “Such a unique interest.”
Chu Tang commented casually, “Just average.”
Tao Qingxiang called out, “Someone come here.”
A maid entered, bowing slightly, “Young master, what do you need?”
Tao Qingxiang generously instructed, “Chu Tang, write down any herbs you want on this paper, and I’ll have someone fetch them for you.”
Chu Tang did not hesitate, listing twenty different herbs he desired, “Just these.”
The maid took the list to Tao Qingxiang, who noted nothing particularly rare among them, “Get these herbs for the divine doctor immediately, without any mistakes.”
The maid bowed, “Yes, young master.”
Since the Shangyun organization likely had its own herb repository, the maid returned quickly, “Divine doctor, the herbs have been delivered to your room.”
“Thank you.” Chu Tang collected his silver needles and went to his room.
On the table in his room were twenty large packets of herbs. Chu Tang inspected them and found them to be of high quality, not substandard or adulterated.
These herbs seemed ordinary at a glance, but after his processing, they could be transformed into excellent medicinal herbs. They wouldn’t produce instant miracles, but could significantly alleviate severe conditions within three days.
Chu Tang formed a seal to secure the room, then began the process of making medicine.
Hong Feiyun came looking for Chu Tang but was intercepted by Mu Xiao along the way, “Why have you been avoiding me these days?”
Hong Feiyun was exasperated, “I haven’t been avoiding you, I just really don’t want to see you. Can’t you take a hint?”
Mu Xiao offered a tempting piece of information, “I know where the second batch of military supplies is. If you agree to be with me, I’ll tell you. I know you’ve been looking for it.”
Hong Feiyun’s heart skipped a beat, “You’ve been spying on me?”
Mu Xiao replied calmly, looking straight at Hong Feiyun, “I stumbled upon the information; I wasn’t spying on you.”
Hong Feiyun was ready to explode, “I don’t believe you haven’t been investigating me.”
Mu Xiao was losing patience, “I really found out by accident. If you don’t believe me, I’ll just report this to the Left Emissary.”
“Fine, go ahead and report it then,” Hong Feiyun turned and walked away.
Caught off guard by such a non-standard response, Mu Xiao hurriedly grabbed Hong Feiyun’s hand, “Don’t be like this, it was just a joke.”
Hong Feiyun was very irritated, “That joke wasn’t funny at all.”
Mu Xiao quickly apologized, “I won’t say things like that anymore.”
Hong Feiyun disinterestedly asked, “Did you come here just to tell me this news?”
Mu Xiao confessed, his voice filled with emotion, “No, I wanted to use this news as a reason for you to be with me.”
Hong Feiyun stated firmly, “It’s not possible. I don’t like you, and I won’t be with you.”